We couldn’t write about sustainability without acknowledging the huge contribution Stella McCartney has made to the conversation. While this may be an issue we’re all aware of now, she’s been campaigning since she launched her label… when no one was listening. At her most recent show in Paris, she spoke out against disposability: “We’ve tried to create pieces that you want to hand down from generation to generation, pieces that you want to keep forever.” That’s a subject close to our own hearts too. Here are just some of the amazing planet-saving initiatives at Stella McCartney.
Stella McCartney
This pink poplin shirt is a classic spring essential – and is made from organically farmed cotton. We were shocked to learn that conventionally grown cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop– nearly $2.6 billion worth of pesticides are sprayed on cotton fields each year.
Stella McCartney
We’re not the first super-fans to say this, but you honestly cannot tell Stella’s pieces are not real leather. And these alternatives, made from recycled polyester, don’t just look and feel good – they’re also better for the environment, reportedly creating 24 times less of an environmental impact.
Stella McCartney
This is one of those iconic wardrobe staples you’ll pass onto your daughters (or nieces). Even better, it’s made with 100% organic cotton. That’s important because conventional cotton farming requires toxic pesticides and fertilisers, and is also water-intensive. It can take 20,000 litres of water to produce 1kg of cotton (which is a single T-shirt and pair of jeans).
Stella McCartney
You don’t need to be vegetarian to consider a switch to faux: we learnt from Stella McCartney that in the Amazon, around 17% of the forest has been lost in the past 50 years, mostly due to forest conversion for cattle ranching (in part, so we can consume leather goods).
Stella McCartney
The tailoring is impeccable – and the fabric is too. This was news to us: viscose (or rayon) starts its life as a tree. And because it’s used to make so many clothes, every year 150 million trees are cut down to create fabric. Since 2017, all of Stella’s ready-to-wear viscose comes from sustainably managed and certified forests in Sweden.
Stella McCartney
Wool is one of the most naturally technical materials in the world – it keeps you warm, but it also breathes. Plus it has antibacterial properties and is long-lasting. Stella McCartney worked with a key knitwear supplier to avoid pesticides, detergents, processing chemicals and dyes, so the wool is sustainably produced and naturally biodegradable.